When Jesus was a toddler, the Magi came to visit him by following the star. They knew their path would be arduous and long, but they knew no matter the difficulty in the journey, what was waiting for them at the end was the most prized finish. They kept their faces up and followed that star to come and worship our tiny King because they believed with their whole hearts that He was worth the path they had to travel, He was their redeemer and lover.
So much in the faith that the path they traveled was the one worth traveling.
It puts me to shame. Has He not shown me everyday that His ways are worth it? Instead of giving my all to Him, I let the enemy come in and plant doubts in my head over the past week and make me question the very foundation and support of my life. My path was diverted and I off-roaded it until today. It made me feel guilty and bad and I hated myself. The trouble was, I was so deep in the brush that I was losing my path. My star was not shining as bright and I had trouble seeing my way. I've been stumbling, trying to make my own way, walking around in the dark when my answer was always shining right above.
It took today to lift my eyes to the sky and refocus myself and find the right track. Of course my path is paved with bumps and canyons but it is lit by the brightest star and I can clearly see my prized finish in the distance. I can maneuver my bumps and canyons with more faith in myself and with more ease because my path is now back to the One who paved it and is lighting my way. I feel at peace. I know my way and I know the things I need to do now. I feel stronger and more equipped and my mind is clearer. We've beat out the enemy again and it feels great. My eyes are focused to the One that matters, and it is all good-and everything will be good and fall into place because of my direction now.
If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me.
Jeremiah 29:13
Thanks Kevin and Pastor Mark
Wow - Amanda, that is good stuff!! You are quite the writer! You put everything into words that I was feeling in my heart. Thank you for the reminder to direct our eyes upward to get ourselves back on track. "I will look up....where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord...." (Psalm 121)
ReplyDeleteWow! Amanda you are a gifted writer. What great insight. Romans 8:31 (NLT)
ReplyDelete31 What shall we say about such wonderful things as these? If God is for us, who can ever be against us?
Blessings,
Pastor Mark